Abstract:

There has been an upsurge in the consumption of
herbal remedies due to its availability, increased popularity, poor medical
services and inequalities in health service distribution in developing
countries. However, regulatory and safety issues remain a concern. This study
is aimed at assessing the concentration levels of some microelements and
macroelements in NAFDAC approved herbal remedies, and also to assess the
compliance of those products with national stipulated requirements for outer
pack labelling. A total of ten (10) herbal products that are marketed in
Nigeria were randomly purchased and analysed to determine the concentration
levels of selected elements (Zn, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb, Cd, Na and K) using AAS. The
results indicated that Zn, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb, Cd, Na and K have their own trends
of concentrations in all the samples studied. Although all the samples
contained Pb and Cd, the concentrations were below WHO permissible limits.
Also, the assessment of the outer pack labelling of the products revealed that
none of the samples complied totally with the national stipulated requirements.
Conclusively, the study has shown that the quality and safety of herbal
products needs to be regulated effectively before launching into the market.

14.Sayyed M.R. Sayadi M.H
(2011). Variations in the heavy metal accumulations within the surface soils
from the Chigtar Industrial are of Tehran. Proceedings
of the International Academy of Ecology and environmental sciences I(I):
36-46